On October 21, 2009 the Burdick family lost everything in a fire at their Hartstown home. Since then they have been staying with reletives while they figure out what to do next. One of the things that is both tough and rewarding in this job is meeting people when they are down and out. In this case it was a story about how the family lost everything, but also how friends, family and the entire community have come out to help them rebuild their lives with fundraisers and help. We did the story to show this help and increase awareness that people are indeed, in need over the holidays. Its not our goal to be an advocate for helping out this one family, but to at least tell their story so if someone does wish to help, they will know how. Meadville Tribune photograph by Richard Sayer